“The Rise, Fall, and Unbelievable Return of Golf’s Shirtless Hero: 

“The Rise, Fall, and Unbelievable Return of Golf’s Shirtless Hero:

As the world of professional golf turned its gaze toward the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews for the dramatic conclusion of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a different kind of theater was unfolding across the Atlantic in Indiana. It wasn’t a showdown for a major title or the crowning of a new superstar, but for those grinding it out on the Korn Ferry Tour, the stakes were just as high, if not higher. Among the hopefuls battling for a coveted 2025 PGA Tour card, one name stood out—Harry Higgs, a fan favorite with a story unlike any other.

 

Two years ago, Higgs captured the hearts of golf fans everywhere with an audacious celebration at the WM Phoenix Open, ripping his shirt off in front of a roaring crowd. It was a moment of pure joy and wild abandon that epitomized his larger-than-life personality, endearing him to many as the everyman golfer, the one you’d want to share a beer with after a round. But after a tough season in 2023, Higgs found himself on the outside looking in, having lost his PGA Tour card after failing to finish in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings.

 

For many, this would have been the end of the story. The fall from grace was swift, and the road back seemed uncertain. But Higgs, known as much for his perseverance as his celebrations, wasn’t ready to fade into the background. His journey back to the big leagues would require grit, determination, and a few career-defining moments that no one saw coming.

 

The stage for Higgs’ dramatic return was set at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, held at the iconic Pete Dye-designed French Lick Resort in Indiana. With only 30 PGA Tour cards available, the pressure was immense. Among those vying for a spot were some of the brightest young talents in the game, each chasing the dream of stepping up to golf’s grandest stage. And while the focus of the golfing world might have been on Tyrrell Hatton’s attempt to win his third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, it was the battle on this side of the Atlantic that would truly shake the sport.

 

Higgs, 32, had already secured his place among the Korn Ferry Tour graduates, thanks to his standout victories earlier in the season at the AdventHealth Championship and the Visit Knoxville Open. His performance at French Lick, a T69 finish at +13 over four rounds, wasn’t one for the record books. In fact, his rounds in Indiana were lackluster, failing to break 74. But for Higgs, this particular tournament wasn’t about perfection—it was about the journey. His place among the top 30 was already assured, and his return to the PGA Tour was officially locked in.

 

Still, in true Higgs fashion, he didn’t let the pressure of his mediocre tournament finish dampen his spirits. In a world where professional athletes are often laser-focused on winning at all costs, Higgs’ unorthodox approach—whether it’s celebrating with champagne after a less-than-stellar performance or electrifying crowds with shirtless antics—sets him apart. It’s this authenticity and refusal to conform that has made him a cult hero in the sport, and now, after clawing his way back from the brink, he’s once again earned his place among golf’s elite.

 

As the 2025 season looms, Harry Higgs isn’t just another name on the PGA Tour roster. He’s a symbol of resilience, of the highs and lows that define an athlete’s career. And for the fans who’ve followed his rollercoaster ride, his return promises to bring more excitement, unpredictability, and of course, moments that only Higgs can deliver.

 

Alongside Higgs, a new generation of players has punched their ticket to the PGA Tour. From Matt McCarty to Braden Thornberry, these Korn Ferry Tour graduates are ready to make their mark. But for all the young talent, it’s the return of a familiar face, with a larger-than-life personality, that has fans buzzing the most.

 

The comeback of Harry Higgs is not just a story of one golfer reclaiming his spot in the sun. It’s a reminder that in a sport often marked by decorum and quiet precision, there’s still room for characters who break the mold, for athletes who bring passion, personality, and a little chaos to the game.

 

2025 Korn Ferry Tour Graduates

Here are the 30 players, including Higgs, who have secured their PGA Tour cards for 2025:

 

1. Matt McCarty

 

 

2. Max McGreevy

 

 

3. Frankie Capan III

 

 

4. Steven Fisk

 

 

5. Tim Widing

 

 

6. Taylor Dickson

 

 

7. Brian Campbell

 

 

8. Harry Higgs

 

 

9. Thomas Rosenmueller

 

 

10. William Mouw

 

 

11. Quade Cummins

 

 

12. Ryan Gerard

 

 

13. Kevin Roy

 

 

14. Cristobal Del Solar

 

 

15. Kevin Velo

 

 

16. Braden Thornberry

 

 

17. Paul Peterson

 

 

18. Isaiah Salinda

 

 

19. Karl Vilips

 

 

20. Jackson Suber

 

 

21. Jeremy Paul

 

 

22. Mason Andersen

 

 

23. John Pak

 

 

24. Kris Ventura

 

 

25. Kaito Onishi

 

 

26. Ricky Castillo

 

 

27. Trevor Cone

 

 

28. Danny Walker

 

 

29. Aldrich Potgieter

 

 

30. Noah Goodwin

 

 

 

For Harry Higgs, the journey back to the PGA Tour wasn’t just about regaining his playing rights—it was about proving to himself and the world that he belongs on golf’s grandest stage. Now, with his second chance in hand, the question remains: what will he do next?